Information Ecosystem Assessment: Migrants in Thailand during COVID-19

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, migrant populations are at a heightened vulnerability for misinformation which can impact their decision-making behaviour."

Migrant populations, such as Thailand's estimated 3.9 million migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, are likely to feel significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the factors: Low literacy and comprehension of Thai language puts these workers at a disadvantage in accessing COVID-19-related information relevant to their context. In order to understand how to best reach the migrant population with the information they need, this assessment aims to understand the information ecosystem within which they communicate.

Internews reports that, in Thailand, there are 92.3 million phone numbers (amongst a country population of 69.4 million); 57 million people have internet access, with 98% of those who access the internet connecting through a smartphone; and 51 million people use social media - with Facebook (93%), YouTube (91%), LINE (84%), and Facebook Messenger (72%) being the most popular platforms. However, as this report shows, while migrants in urban areas may have relatively easy access to the internet, there are migrants who move in and out of areas of low connectivity or do not own smartphones and lack access to critical information.

Following a discussion of the background (e.g., the COVID-19 "infodemic") and the context (e.g., migration in Thailand, and the reasons migrants are so vulnerable to COVID-19), the report explains the research methodology. In short, the assessment gathered the thoughts and opinions of 48 male and female migrant community leaders and migrant workers in Thailand. The information was collected through a series of qualitative and quantitative techniques, using remote data collection methodologies to ensure the safety of participants and researchers and compliance with global and Thai specific restrictions on movement and gathering.

Key findings/recommendations:

• Communication starts with listening to concerns: Risk communication during the pandemic has primarily focused on increasing awareness of COVID-19 symptoms and preventative measures to slow the spread of the outbreak. However, most migrants surveyed are first and foremost concerned about impact of the pandemic on their jobs and their legal status. Government and other risk communicators need to take into account the distinct information needs of migrants, regardless of their migration status. This entails ensuring not only that two-way channels of communication are opened that cater for language and literacy needs but also that these channels are well publicised via the information sources and platforms migrants already trust and use. Timeliness and contextual relevancy of government information impact how useful the information is to migrant groups.
• Secondhand messengers play a role: Migrants with low or no comprehension of Thai language are dependent on community leaders, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and secondhand information delivered through informal networks. There is a need to ensure that these key information influencers have the tools they need to provide accurate information to their communities in the languages they prefer.
• Social media is the problem and the cure: Facebook is the primary channel through which migrant workers access information during the pandemic. For many communities, the deluge of information on social media can be difficult to verify, especially when primary source content is not in their primary language. Official information can be lost in the mix of opinion, hearsay, and rumour. However, the strategic use of social media to provide information that responds to migrant questions and concerns can slow the spread of misinformation in the community.
• Connection is common, but not universal: Migrants living in remote areas or those who have lost income find it difficult to stay informed. Governments and NGOs should ensure they communicate using a diversity of channels that allow for low- and high-tech access to information. Migrant leaders and employers, especially those in remote areas, should be well equipped with the latest information to respond to key questions and concerns. Government officials should also be open to contributing to trusted information channels such as MAP Radio (migrant community radio supported by the MAP Foundation) to regularly provide direct updates to migrant listeners and respond to any new and emerging information needs.
• Migrants crave information on access to services: Clear communication from the government and NGOs in relation to access to testing and treatment and the costs associated with those services is needed.
• Community trust is selective: Migrants place a low trust in information coming from friends and family, whereas community leaders, landlords, and bosses play a pivotal role in conveying key information.

Contending that the factors outlined in this report are relevant for migrants living in many contexts around the world, Internews concludes by expressing the hope that the findings of this research will support improved communication with migrant populations, both during this pandemic and in future crises.